Who isn't familiar with the talented actress and singer, Selena Gomez? Her popularity stems from her work since her teenage years. Her relationship with Justin Bieber has captured fans worldwide, along with her health challenges starting in 2014, particularly lupus.
Selena Gomez was diagnosed with lupus nephritis, one of the most severe complications of lupus. In 2017, she underwent a kidney transplant from her close friend, Francia Raisa.
Lupus, an intricate autoimmune disease, often leaves patients puzzled. Its symptoms are diverse and can be mistaken for other illnesses, leading to concerns about treatment. Can lupus be cured? How can it be prevented and managed? Let's delve deeper into these questions!
Can Lupus Be Cured?
The question of whether lupus can be cured is often asked and does not have a definite answer. This is because this disease is chronic, which means that although the symptoms can be controlled, there is no medicine that can cure it completely. However, keep in mind that every case of lupus is different, and the response to treatment will also vary. Some people may experience periods of remission, during which lupus symptoms are inactive or do not appear at all, while others may require long-term treatment to control their symptoms.
How to Prevent Lupus
Although the exact cause of lupus is still unknown, there are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing this disease:
Maintaining Body Health: Having a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help keep the immune system strong and stable.
Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: Sunlight can trigger lupus flare-ups in most sufferers. Using sunscreen that is appropriate for your skin type and dose, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure when the sun is most intense can help reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of developing lupus, as well as worsening the symptoms in sufferers who have already been diagnosed.
Reduce Stress: Stress can trigger lupus flare-ups in some people. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or psychological therapy can help reduce stress levels.
How to Treat Lupus?
Lupus treatment aims to control symptoms and prevent organ damage. Following are some commonly used approaches in the treatment of lupus:
Medications: Doctors can prescribe various types of medications, including corticosteroids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants to control inflammation and lupus symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility for people with lupus who experience joint problems or muscle weakness.
Symptomatic Treatment: To treat specific symptoms such as pain or fatigue, doctors may also prescribe pain medication or suggest fatigue management strategies.
Routine Monitoring: Regular monitoring by a doctor is important to monitor disease progression, evaluate response to treatment, and detect possible complications.
Although lupus is a chronic disease for which there is no absolute or total cure, steps such as maintaining a healthy body, avoiding risk factors, and following the treatment prescribed by a doctor can help control symptoms and improve the quality of life for lupus sufferers. Consult with our doctors at K-Lab to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan that suits your condition.
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